There have been a further five cases of COVID-19 identified in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. taking the total number of positive results to 31.
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Three of those people have been admitted to hospitals in the region, although the individual facilities have not been identified.
As of 8am on Monday, there were six cases in total in the Wagga local government area, while the Snowy Valleys local government area has recorded its first positive result.
Across the whole MLHD are, there are now six cases in Albury, one in Berrigan, one in Cootamundra-Gundagai, six in Federation, two in Greater Hume, three in Griffith, two in Hay, three in Murrumbidgee, and one in Snowy Valleys.
The majority of the cases notified were diagnosed after travelling overseas or being in contact with a confirmed case, according to the MLHD.
Patients who have experienced mild to moderate symptoms are in self-isolation to ensure they do not transmit the virus. They are being managed at home with the support of their GP and a daily check up with local health services, the health district says.
As of Monday, the MLHD opened three additional coronavirus testing clinics in Cootamundra, Deniliquin and Tumut. This is in addition to the clinics already established in Wagga and Griffith and brings the total number of clinics in the district to five.
The MLHD says it is expecting increased demand for COVID-19 testing due to changes in the testing criteria, and the three additional clinics will provide additional capacity.
In addition, due to the current travel restrictions, the MLHD says it is trying to minimise the distances that the community need to travel to access testing.
Only people who have an appointment should attend the clinic.
In the first instance, people who are concerned and would like to speak to someone about their symptoms are advised to call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 831 099.
A nurse will provide advice about the best course of action depending on your symptoms and risks and this may include a referral to attend a testing clinic.
According to health officials, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, sore throat and dry cough. Symptoms will generally appea three to four days after exposure to the virus, but can be up to 14 days later.
Members of the public are advised to minimise travel, increase personal awareness around hand hygiene and practice social distancing.
Anyone who believes they have may have contracted the COVID-19 virus (ie: who are returned travellers, or who have come in contact with a confirmed case and are showing symptoms: fever, sore throat, dry cough and shortness of breath) are advised in the first instance to:
- Call the free-call coronavirus hotline 1800 022 222 and receive advise on the best course of action depending on your symptoms and risks. Medical staff will direct people to the nearest hospital or respiratory clinic, or advise them to stay home and self-monitor, or contact their GP, or
- Contact your GP to arrange an appointment (let GP practice know in advance if you have symptoms) or
- Call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 831 099 for assessment between 7am and 11pm.
Tips to reduce potential for virus transmission:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Stay home as much as possible
- Stop shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly
- Avoid visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals.
